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In the middle of; despite
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V・Adj・Noun + ところを' is used to describe a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event. It is often used in formal apologies or gratitude to acknowledge someone's inconvenience. This pattern emphasizes the contrast between the expected and actual situation. For example, 'despite being busy' (お忙しいところを) is used to express gratitude for someone's help despite their busy schedule.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V・Adj・Noun | V・Adj・Noun + ところを | お忙しいところを |
| V・Adj・Noun | V・Adj・Noun + ところを | 犯人は海外へ逃亡しようとしているところを |
| V・Adj・Noun | V・Adj・Noun + ところを | もう少しで車に跳ねられるところを |
Examples
お忙しいところをお時間をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。
O isogashii tokoro o o jikan o itadaki, makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you very much for taking the time despite being busy.
お忙しいところを (despite being busy) + お時間をいただき (taking the time) + 誠にありがとうございます (thank you very much)
犯人は海外へ逃亡しようとしているところを、空港で捜査員に取り押さえられた。
Han'nin wa kaigai e tōbō shite imasu toki ni, kūkō de tōsa-in ni torikomareta.
The criminal was caught by the investigators at the airport despite trying to escape abroad.
犯人は海外へ逃亡しようとしているところを (despite trying to escape abroad) + 空港で捜査員に取り押さえられた (caught by the investigators at the airport)
もう少しで車に跳ねられるところを、間一髪で助かった。
Mō sukoshi de kuruma ni bōnaru tokoro o, aida ichi patsu de tasukatta.
I was almost hit by a car, but I was just in time to avoid it.
もう少しで車に跳ねられるところを (almost hit by a car) + 間一髪で助かった (just in time to avoid it)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event. It is often used in formal apologies or gratitude to acknowledge someone's inconvenience. The pattern can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it is more commonly used in formal situations.
Watch out
'Tokoro ni' is used to indicate a simple point in time, whereas 'tokoro o' is used to indicate a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event.
The past tense is used to describe a completed action, whereas the present tense is used to describe a continuous state.
'Tokoro de' is used to indicate a condition or circumstance, whereas 'tokoro o' is used to indicate a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. Make sure to use the correct form of the verb and the correct particle to indicate the state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V・Adj・Noun + ところを used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
お忙しいところをお時間をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。
Pattern used: ところを
This is a fixed formal expression used when thanking someone for their time despite their busy state.
犯人は海外へ逃亡しようとしているところを、空港で捜査員に取り押さえられた。
Pattern used: ところを
'Tokoro o' is used here to indicate that the action of fleeing was interrupted by the arrest.
もう少しで車に跳ねられるところを、間一髪で助かった。
Pattern used: ところを
Used to describe a dangerous situation that was narrowly avoided or interrupted.
Interactive
お忙しい______お時間をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.